From the world-famous Manhattan Bar to underground speakeasy Operation Dagger, here are some of the best hidden cocktail bars that Singapore has to offer.
1. Manhattan Bar – Ranked #3 on World’s 50 Best Bars
Photo credits: Manhattan Bar
A classy bar nestled within Regent Hotel Singapore, the ambience of Manhattan Bar is like a scene from The Great Gatsby. Furnished with leather Chesterfield armchairs and boasting the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse, Manhattan Bar serves only cocktails of top-notch quality.
Coming in third on ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’, travel back in time to the 16th century with classic tipples such as First Voyage (S$25++), which features the bar’s first earthenware-aged vermouth.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday & Saturdays: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sundays: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Address: Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Level 2, Singapore 249715
Contact: +65 6725 3377
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard
2. Atlas – Boasts the biggest gin collection on earth
Photo Credits: ATLAS Singapore
Imperial Fizz Noveau (S$24)
“Atlas bar is The Great Gatsby-style opulence done right”
– Lifestyle Asia
Drawing inspiration from the Arts Décoratifs, ATLAS Singapore boasts hallmarks of the era which can be seen in its resplendent interiors and perfectly executed cocktails. Offering over a thousand types of gin, Atlas has earned its accolade of having the world’s largest gin collection.
Opt for a classic Gin & Tonic (S$19) where you choose any gin from the ATLAS collection and have it paired with a Burma Tonic that is deliciously fizzy with a tinge of sweetness. Do also try the Imperial Fizz Noveau (S$24), a ‘mighty fluffy cocktail’ made with modern French gin, rose cordial, angelica, orange blossom, cream, citrus and soda.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Fridays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturdays: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
Contact: +65 6396 4466
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
3. Tippling Club – Creator of the edible cocktail menu
Photo Credits: Tippling Club
Remember the cocktail-flavoured gummy bear which took Singapore’s cocktail industry by storm? Over 500,000 gummy bears were created in 2018 and it was such a hit in the nightlife scene. Last December, Tippling Club bade goodbye to the world-famous Sensorium menu, ‘Dreams and Desires’ to launch a fragrance-themed menu (prices from S$24++ per cocktail).
In collaboration with @iffinc, cocktail connoisseurs can choose from many fascinating creations – namely Elixir of Orris; a creation concocted with raspberry, mint, port, cognac, anise and papaya which gives off the scent of Neroli Oil, Orris Concrete and White Musks.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturdays: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461
Contact: +65 6475 2217
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park/ Tanjong Pagar
4. Native – Foraged ingredients such as ants are used
Photo Credits: NATIVE
“What grows together, goes together”
-Vijay Mudiliar, Co-founder of Native Bar
Located on the second storey of a shophouse in Amoy Street, NATIVE is furnished with ware made by local and regional craftsmen. Using only regional spirits and ingredients, Singapore’s leading bartender and cocktail connoisseur, Vijay Mudiliar, strongly believes that inspiration should be found close to home.
Go for a sensory experience and have taste of the Discovery menu (S$14++) that changes seasonally, or try ANTZ (S$23++) which features a basil leaf frozen with liquid nitrogen, a basil meringue, crunchy ants with a shaken combination of salt-baked tapioca, homemade coconut yogurt, aged sugarcane juice and agricole-style Chalong Bay rum.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 52A Amoy St, Singapore 069878
Contact: +65 8869 6520
Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer
5. 28 Hong Kong Street – Pioneer in Asia’s speakeasy scene
Escape the clutches of your usual 9 to 5 in this hidden oasis not so far away from the central business district. Speakeasies in Singapore have gathered a lot of attention over the years, but 28 HongKong Street remains one of Singapore’s top drinking spots. Presenting a New York-esque, nonchalant ambience and a comprehensive menu that revamps thrice a year, this has got to be one of the crowd’s favourite.
Opening Hours
Monday to Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursdays & Fridays: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturdays: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667
Contact: +65 8318 0328
Nearest MRT Station: Clarke Quay
6. Operation Dagger – A spectacular underground bar
Photo Credits: Operation Dagger
Operation Dagger is an industrial-like speakeasy tucked underground on the streets of Ann Siang Hill. As one of Asia’s leading pioneers in experimental cocktails, the bar has won the hearts of many over the years. What we really love to see is the creative aspect of omitting the base spirit from the write up of each cocktail, therefore allowing each guest to choose a cocktail based on flavours they like rather than being intimidated by the spirit itself.
Also known for their inventive omakase menu (S$95 for three courses and $150 for five courses), impeccable food and drink pairings await you. Talk about a night of gustatory pleasure.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01, Singapore 069791
Contact: +65 6438 4057
Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer
7. Gibson – Vintage cocktail parlour
Photo Credits: Gibson Cocktail Bar
“In this edition of Gibson’s cocktail menu, we explore ingredients that strike a chord with us – some are flavours we grew up with, and some we discovered on our travels around Asia. These ingredients add a new dimension to our cocktails which can be enjoyed by everyone no matter where they are from.”
–Gibson Cocktail Bar
A promising menu that will please even the most fussy drinkers, Gibson’s 17 creative cocktails redefine the experience of classics. All masterpieces at Gibson have been influenced by the creator’s personal experience; things they have tasted as a kid and flavours they have discovered on their travels around Asia.
We recommend The Gibson (S$23++), a profound flavour profile which highlights botanical notes from Roku Gin and is served with a trio of condiments; wasabi leaves, pickled onions and smoked quails egg. This bar is definitely worth the consideration if you are looking to share some drinks with your friends as they serve four different punch bowls that are priced at S$170++ (each serving feeds 8-12 pax).
PSA: Enjoy all-day happy hour oysters on Tuesday at S$3++ per unit
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fridays & Saturdays: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, 2nd Floor, Singapore 089834
Contact: +65 9114 8385
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park
8. Employees Only – Hidden in a shophouse along Amoy St
Photo Credits: Time Out Singapore
Remaining true to their core tenet, Employees Only strives to present cocktails that are flawless in execution and serves up cuisine that will elevate one’s dining experience without any false pretense. Preserving its New York diner aesthetics in a quaint shophouse space, we can see why it is a hit with many white-collar workers and expats alike.
Unwind in this intimate setting and watch as their bartenders flow in an effortless choreography. You can expect drinks that are perfectly balanced and not overwhelming with cloying sweetness.
Some of their best-selling drinks include the EO Gimlet (S$28++), combining Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin (58% ABV) with house-made lime cordial and Daily Slushy (S$18++) which features a frozen blend of ingredients, bitters and spirit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturdays: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sundays: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Address: 112 Amoy St, Singapore 069932
Contact: +65 6221 7357
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
9. D. Bespoke – A sleek Ginza-styled bar
Photo credits: D.Bespoke
Head over to D.Bespoke for a night of meticulous finesse. Although prices are steep, many online reviews have claimed that the price paid would be worth every dollar.
Take a seat by the bar counter and admire the carefully curated selection of spirits that sits atop the shelves. Every cocktail (starting from S$27 per tipple) is a bespoke drink customised to suit each individual’s preference. Founder Daiki Kanetaka, a Japanese venenciador, prides his collections and practice as a form of pure art.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Fridays & Saturdays: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 2 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089816
Contact: +65 8141 5741
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park
10. Nutmeg & Clove – Drinks inspired by Singapore’s history
Photo credits: Honeycombers
Nutmeg & Clove reinterprets classic cocktails with a Singaporean twist by using common herbs, fruits, spices and flora found in our country’s biodiversity. Channelling inspiration from William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, tipples here allow one to revisit flavours of Asia.
You’re One in a Melon (S$22) is one of their most popular cocktails. It is essentially a gin fizz elevated with Hendrick’s gin and infused with butterfly pea flower, clarified watermelon juice, pickled watermelon rind brine and garnished with coriander that turns the drink from blue to violet. You can even snack on refreshing watermelon cubes while you’re at it.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday & Saturdays: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fridays: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sundays: Closed
Address: 10 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789
Contact: +65 9389 9301
Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer
11. Jigger & Pony – Hidden in Amara Hotel’s lobby
Photo Credits: Jigger and Pony
“Created like a physical magazine with 11 different cocktail categories spread across its pages, patrons will get an in-depth purview of every drink, its composition and history — they know we all love libations with a touch of education on the side.”
Tucked away in the lobby of Amara Hotel, Jigger and Pony is a frequent haunt amongst cocktail connoisseurs. Its magazine-inspired menu reminded us of Monocle, and we dare say that its selection of drinks is as tastefully curated as the reputable press’ contents.
Jigger and Pony’s massive punch bowls have been the talk of the town since its grand opening. Priced at S$230++ and serving up to 15 to 20 cups, these punch bowls are a must-order for groups. While there are six flavours available, we say go for King Ferdinand – it is hands down the prettiest punch out of the bunch! Concocted with Hendrick’s Gin, Appleton White Rum, chamomile, passion fruit, bee pollen, orange blossom honey and prosecco – we love the drink’s floral notes and subtle sweet aftertaste.
If you are feeling adventurous, try the Java Cooler (S$23++), inspired by beloved Indonesian snack, “onde-onde”.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, Sundays: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fridays & Saturdays: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Address: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road Amara Hotel, Singapore 088539
Contact: +65 9621 1074
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
12. The Other Room – A speakeasy in Marriott Tang
Photo Credits: The Other Room
The Other Room is a hidden gem situated on the ground floor of Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. The sophisticated speakeasy draws inspiration from the 1920s prohibition era – to enter, one has to press a doorbell before being let into the dimly lit cocktail bar. Its secret location is privy only to those in the know.
What is not so discreet is the man behind the bar – multi-award winning head bartender, Dario Knox, who has spent years perfecting his selection of theatrical cocktails. A craftsman indeed, he has created 150 different varieties of spirits and has them individually casked and spice-finished.
The menu is painstakingly crafted over 13 months of experimentation; if you are spoilt for choice, you can opt for a tasting flight that starts from S$23++ or perhaps dive straight into a Scotch and Tea (S$19++), a clever blend of whisky, matcha, bay leaves, mint, lemon and celery.
Opening Hours
Monday to Wednesday, Saturdays & Sundays: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursdays & Fridays: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Address: 320 Orchard Road, #01-05 Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore 238865
Contact: +65 8300 6085
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset
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